Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Turkish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Ağız açık.
What is the literal translation of Ağız açık?
It literally translates to Mouth open. In Turkish, the copula (the equivalent of is/are) is omitted in the present tense, so the full idea—The mouth is open—is understood even without an explicit verb.
Why is there no verb like is present in the sentence Ağız açık?
In Turkish, the present tense uses no explicit verb for to be when describing a state. This is why adjectives can function as predicates on their own, making Ağız açık both grammatically correct and clear in meaning.
How is the sentence Ağız açık structured grammatically?
The sentence is constructed with the noun Ağız (meaning mouth) immediately followed by the adjective açık (meaning open). This format forms a predicate sentence where the adjective describes the state of the noun without requiring a linking verb.
Why does the adjective açık come after the noun ağız here?
In Turkish predicate constructions, the adjective follows the noun. This contrasts with attributive usage, where an adjective might precede a noun (for example, açık kapı for open door). In a predicate sentence—like Kapı açık meaning The door is open—the adjective comes after the noun.
How should I pronounce Ağız, especially the letters ğ and ı?
The ğ in Ağız isn’t pronounced as a hard or even a typical g sound; instead, it softens or lengthens the adjacent vowel and is almost silent. The vowel ı is pronounced as a close back unrounded vowel—a sound not found in English but roughly like a soft uh. So, a close approximation might be ah-uhz, though the exact pronunciation takes practice.
Can Ağız açık be used both literally and figuratively?
Yes, it can. Literally, it describes a mouth that is physically open. Figuratively, it may be used to indicate astonishment or shock—similar to saying someone was left with their mouth agape. The context of the conversation or narrative will determine which interpretation is intended.